THE first batch of uninhabited islands off the coast of Zhuhai will be available for lease next year.

They are expected to be developed as holiday resorts.

The bidding is open to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents as well as mainland bidders.

The State Oceanic Administration in Guangdong made the announcement at a news conference Wednesday, hoping the experience gained in Zhuhai can be used for future leasing elsewhere.

Provincial authorities say they have received many inquiries from firms and individuals after the State introduced a law in July allowing individuals to lease uninhabited islands for 50 years. Successful applicants can name and develop the islands for commercial use.

Zhuhai was chosen to pilot the scheme because it was known as "the city of islands," having 147 registered islands, 135 of them undeveloped, according to a Xinhua report.

Successful applicants will have to submit an overall plan for the islands for official approval before starting development. Once approved, they must stick to the development plan.

Li Zhujiang, head of the Guangdong oceanic administration, said the Guangdong Provincial Government would draw up a comprehensive plan to develop its marine resources. He hoped the marine industry could contribute 10 percent of Guangdong's economy by 2010.

Meanwhile, he gave an assurance that environmental protection would be a primary concern for the government.

The mainland has more than 6,000 islands larger than 500 square meters off the coast. Only 6 percent are inhabited and there are about 10,000 smaller islands.

 
Editor: Wings